New AI-ready data campus centre in Iskandar Puteri
06 Aug 2024
THE first phase of the new data centre campus, jointly developed by Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) and Singapore’s Nxera, is expected to be completed in 2026 to add to the high-quality digital infrastructure in Malaysia, says Gobind Singh Deo.
The Digital Minister said he was glad to see TM and Nxera, the regional data centre arm of Singtel’s Digital InfraCo unit, joining forces to embark on the data centre venture.
“This win-win and timely partnership brings together the best connectivity providers of Malaysia and Singapore to develop data centres in Malaysia, starting with a sustainable, hyper-connected AI-ready data centre campus in Johor.
“The first phase capacity of 64 megawatts (MW) is expected to be completed in 2026.
“I am confident that with the joint industry expertise, strong track record and extensive network of subsea cables of both telecommunication companies, this collaboration will be a gamechanger for the industry,” he said before the groundbreaking ceremony in EduCity in Iskandar Puteri, Johor.
Beyond digital connectivity, the government intends to leverage AI technology and harness AI for the good of the Malaysian economy, he said.
Gobind said the new AI-ready data centre campus would serve the next-generation AI application providers and enterprises was a welcomed addition to support Malaysia’s ambition as a hub for AI development and innovation.
“While we welcome data centres to set up in Malaysia, we are also cognisant that data centres require power and water.
“As the data centre industry continues to grow and house greater computing power to meet the needs of the digital economy with the rise of AI, the industry must constantly innovate and adopt new, sustainable technologies that drive energy and water efficiencies,” he said.
Gobind said he was also glad that the TM and Nxera development would feature advanced technologies such as liquid cooling to support high-power density AI workloads and operations efficiently.
Singapore’s senior minister of state for trade and industry Low Yen Ling, who was also present at the event, said the joint venture was another example of the shared economic, cultural and bilateral ties enjoyed by both countries for so long.
“The TM-Nxera data centre will power the needs of our digital economy, support AI advancements and foster value creation.
“This joint venture exemplifies the strong collaboration between Singapore and Malaysia in driving digital innovation.
“Our economies are closely linked and initiatives such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) will enhance cross-border trade and business.
“Singapore looks forward to building an attractive investment ecosystem together with Malaysia in the JS-SEZ,” she said, adding that the event marked another significant milestone in both countries’ economic partnership.
Located just 16km from Singapore, the data centre campus will enable customers to seamlessly expand their infrastructure from the city state and the rest of the region.
The data centre can be scaled up to 200MW in response to market demand.
The groundbreaking ceremony came a month after TM and Nxera announced their strategic partnership.
Also present were TM group chief executive officer Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, Johor investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman Lee Ting Han and Nxera chairman Kai Nargolwala.
Source: The Star
